Except for the offensive linemen, long-sleeved shirts and sweatpants were the standard uniform for the Illinois State football team at the third spring practice Saturday at Hancock Stadium.
Cooler temperatures rode the coat tails of Fridays thunderstorm. But even in adverse weather, the Redbirds were still upbeat about the spring season.
It was a good practice, head coach Denver Johnson said. The guys are coming out and practicing well. They are wanting to learn and giving great effort. There are a lot of rough edges out there early, but Im really encouraged with how theyre going about their business.
After a shortened practice on Friday, the Redbirds worked out for 24, five minute periods Saturday morning. With both offense and defense sporting helmets and shoulder pads there was some contact.
The last five periods consisted of team pass, which was essentially a scrimmage with just passing plays. Senior quarterback Mike Souza connected with sophomore receiver Ramon Barber early in the session for a 50-yard touchdown. Defensively, Ray Robinson caused the offense some fits with a pair of sacks.
I thought Dwayne Smith had a really good day today, Johnson added. Ray Robinson stuck out on the defensive side of the ball and did some good things. Those are the two that stick out of my mind.
The Redbirds return to the field for the fourth-straight day on Sunday. Practice will begin at 2 p.m., at Hancock Stadium and the Birds will be in full pads for the first time this spring.
NOTEBOOK:
Offensive lineman Stafford Davis, who claimed second team all-conference honors as a freshman, was not in uniform on Saturday and wont be for the entire spring season. Davis, according to Johnson, was excused from spring practice to tend to some personal issues.
Sophomore wide receiver Brian Busser was hit by safety Tyler Larrick as he was going for a pass during a skelly drill. Busser bruised his right quad and was back in the receiver rotation before the end of practice.
Transfer wide receiver Joe Walkins sat out the entire skelly and team pass portion of practice with a sore hamstring.
